Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-07-06
Another Letter From Hon. A. J. Mccall.


We publish below announcer letter from the
Bath IN. W Plaindealer, written by the
venerable and whole-souled Hon. A. ].
Mccall, who accompanied Gen. W. w.
Averell to this city to participate in the GER
emonies of Memorial Day on the 9th of
June. His letters show how differently
those speak of US who visit US and see and
learn for themselves, from those who keep
aloof from us and imagine all manner of
evil of US, and abuse us falsely and mali
ciously. It will be remembered that Mr..
Mccall and Gen. Averell accompanied Gen.
Lee from here to Richmond where they
were his guests. The following letter was
written by Mr.. Mccall, giving some Of his
observations of the city of Richmond, and
his views of the character of its citizens
A. THRIVING CITY-oLD EXECUTIVE NAN
sIoN--ITs occUPANTs-PLEAsANT DRIVES.
RICHMOND, Va, June 1--we arrived
here on Friday evening, after delightful
ride from Staunton with pleasant company,
which made the time fly swiftly. It is six
teen years since / visited this city. Its
growth and improvements astonished me.
Then everywhere could be seen ruin and
desolation, now all evidence Of it has dis
appeared-now magnificent blocks and res
licences adorn every street, giving token OF
progress and prosperity. How such i'm
provements could have been brought about
SO soon after the waste and ravages Of q
long war, is mystery to me. 1t can be ex-
planned only by the supposition that all re-
qarded the questions at issue as settled
forever and every one within the State set
to work with energy and will to restore
what had been wasted. All substantial
wealth is derived from labor. Undoubtedly
labor and economy have accomplished this
result in Richmond. 1t is delightful city,
quiet and orderly, and attracts substantial
and intelligent residents from every quarter.
Its citizens are kindly and hespitable.
We were treated to delightful drive
through Hollywood cemetery, where lie
the remains of Virginia's most notable men.
James Monroe; the fifth President OF the
United States, John Randolph, of Roanoke,
the orator and statesman, SO conspicuous in
the early history of the Republic, and
scores of soldiers and citizens of lesser note.
The grounds are extensive and admirably
kept. Our drive was continued for miles
through the suburbs and around the mag.
nificent reservoirs and water-works provided
| for the city, terminating at the Retreat
provided by private muniicenee, for dis.
abled soldiers and their families, of the
Confederate army. Many snug and COM
Portable cottages cover the grounds, which
afford them homes in fact.
Governor Lee and his amiable and &C.
| complished wife entertained US in the even
| ing with q cordially and simplicity that
| were charming, and reminded me of the
Jeffersonian era. No show--no tinsel-but
right.down hearty, good fellowship-the
outcome of high toned and honorable an.
cestry. The executive mansion, which
fronts the State House or Capitol building,
is plain but substantial structure; was
built nearly century ago and is in excel
lent preservation, good for another century.
1t has been occupied continuously by the
Governors of the State, among them Henry
Lee, of Revolutionary memory, known as
'Light- Horse Harry" grandfather of the
present incumbent. A new City Hall is in
process of erection, covering an entire
block, the site of the old one, which will
be grand affair, but will cost mint OF
money. When see this wanton expendi-
ture, in plling up brick and stone, largely
for show, think Of our own sspublic ca
lamity' and the grinding taxation that
must follow. So quiet a Sunday / have
never passed in any city; mo noise, no rattle
of cars and carts. When the bells rang out
for religious worship, the streets were
crowded, proving conclusively, that here at
least there is church-going people. We
attended morning service at the Episcopal
church. The rector was much more ami
mated in speech and GESTURE than is usual
with the order, owing perhaps to the fact
that this is speech-making people, not
pleased with hum drum talk. We attended
the afternoon service at DR.. Hoge's Pres
byterian church. He is the Beecher of the
South, but of somewhat different makeup.
His discourse was most eloquent and prac-
tical, and was listened to with rapt atten-
ton. Both churches were filled TO over
flowing with an appreciative audience. We
leave tomorrow morning at 6 O'Clock, by
boat for Old Point, down the James river,
and anticipate much pleasure in reviewing
many noted places made classic by history
and song.